Mia POV
Atlas collapsed, his body hitting the ground with a thud, causing my heart to race and panic to surge through me. Flint immediately rushed to his side, his movements urgent and determined. "He hasn't slept or eaten anything, Mia, since he found you in the pond," Leo explained to me, his voice filled with concern. "I'm honestly amazed he was even standing. He's been like a zombie, refusing to accept your death."
"He should wake soon, I can't move him." Flint's voice carried over to us. Leo gently carried me closer to Atlas and set me down on the damp ground next to him. I reached out and brushed my hand against his wet cheek, feeling the coldness of his skin against my fingertips.

In the distance, I heard the sound of someone approaching the pond. Bryn's voice cut through the air, filled with worry. "I came because there were reports that you headed to the pond with a wheelbarrow," she said, her words rushed. She approached us and froze as she took in the scene before her. I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she processed what she was seeing.
"Mia," she choked out, tears streaming down her face. I took a deep breath, my chest tightening, and lifted Atlas's head so it rested in my lap. I spoke, my voice trembling, and told Bryn, Flint, and Leo what had happened. Bryn fell to her knees, wrapping her arms around me tightly.
"You've sacrificed so much, Mia. Thank you for returning to us, to your mate," she whispered, her words filled with gratitude. I left out the part about the twins, wanting Atlas to be the one to learn that first. As he started to wake, everyone left, granting me the space to be alone with him.
His eyes slowly opened, meeting mine, and I could see the mixture of disbelief and hope in his gaze. "Tell me I'm not dreaming," he pleaded, his voice filled with raw emotion as he sat up, hesitant to even touch me.
"I'm here, Atlas. I'm sorry I left you, but I promise I'm never leaving you again," I said, my voice filled with sincerity and love. His eyes lit up, a flicker of joy dancing within them. "Inara," he choked out, sensing her absence.
"I'm wolfless now, Atlas. I guess in a way, we've reversed roles from when we first met. I am now much like a human," I said, feeling his arms finally wrap around me, pulling me into a wet and secure embrace.

“I went to the moon goddess. She spoke to me, and told me that I was meant to die that night. But she gave me a choice. I could remain by her side, and Inara would stay with me, or I could return to you, and Inara would move on to be gifted to another who would need her," I explained, my voice trembling with emotion.
I reached out and took his hand, guiding it gently to my belly, feeling the warmth of his touch. "She will be gifted to our daughter, Atlas," I continued. "So please, don't be too sad for me. This is a sacrifice I'm happy to make. Though I may no longer have Inara to talk with, she was excited for her future as well. I have you, my friends, and my family here. I will be just fine. The goddess gifted me an immortal lifespan to match yours, and in time, my power and some of my strength will restore. But I have a feeling it won't happen overnight. And you and I, we are going to have two healthy pups."
"Two?" he questioned, his eyes widening in surprise.
"I'm pregnant with twins, Atlas. We are going to be a family, a happy and powerful family," I assured him, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

His grip tightened on my hand, his voice filled with a mix of relief and fear. "I felt you die, Mia. It felt as if my heart, my reason for living, was gone. I thought you..."
I interrupted him, my voice filled with sincerity. "I would never take my life, Atlas. I never want to be separated from you," I promised, our lips meeting in a tender kiss. I could feel his exhaustion as he held me, his love and concern pouring into every touch.
"Let's get you back to the palace. You need sleep and food," I said, trying to stand but stumbling. I sighed.
"I'll carry you, Mia. I'm fine now, and I need you in my arms right now. It will be a long time before I'm ready to release you," he declared, lifting me effortlessly off the ground. He carried me towards the palace, using a discreet back entrance, ensuring no one saw us. Finally, he placed me gently on our bed.
"I need to shower fast so I don't smell like pond water," he spoke, a hint of weariness in his voice.
"Take a bath instead, with me," I offered, noticing his hesitation. I furrowed my brows in concern. "What's wrong?"
He shook his head, a troubled expression on his face, as he helped me out of my dress. With care and tenderness, he carried me into the bathroom. As we entered, I saw the reason for his hesitation. The shattered mirror, stained with his blood. I understood without words the pain he had experienced. I kept my silence, knowing the weight of his emotions.
Atlas turned on the water, its soothing sound filling the room. He held me close, keeping me in his arms as the bathtub filled. The warm water enveloped us, its gentle touch soothing our tired bodies. His hands moved against my skin, hesitating for a moment.
"It's okay, Atlas. I want you just as badly as you want me right now. We both need each other," I reassured him, the intensity of our connection palpable in the air.
"I love you, Mia," he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude as his arms held me close. The bathroom was dimly lit, casting a warm glow on our entwined bodies.
As his hand slowly traced down my body, I shivered in anticipation. His lips found my neck, sending pleasure down my spine. A moan escaped my lips as his fingers found their way to my core, igniting a fire within me. Our past few encounters had been about healing, but now, in this moment, it was primal. We needed to connect on a deeper level, to feel each other intimately. I craved his presence inside me, yearned for his love.
With a release of his fingers, he positioned himself, ensuring my comfort. And then, in a single, powerful thrust, he filled me completely. A groan escaped his lips as he paused, relishing the moment. As he moved against me, his hands gently cupped my breasts, massaging them with care. Pleasure surged through my body with every movement, and between breathless moans, Atlas murmured his love for me in my ear.
Amidst our passion, he posed a surprising question. "Mia, everyone is gathered here for you. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?" he asked, his voice filled with desire, buried deep inside me. "Today?" I questioned, breathless with pleasure. "Yes, tonight. I can't wait any longer," he declared, his thrusts hitting just the right spot.
A laugh escaped my lips, mingling with my moans. "An interesting marriage proposal, Atlas. I never thought I'd be asked while making love." The intensity of our connection only deepened my desire to say yes. "Yes, I want to marry you tonight, Atlas," I replied, my voice filled with passion.
As our movements quickened, he growled with pleasure, and with a final release, he spilled himself inside me. After our passionate encounter, Atlas helped me out of the tub and dressed in another dress, the fabric slipping effortlessly over my skin. "We may have one issue," I teased, my voice laced with playful humor. "You might have to hold me to marry me. I can’t stand on my own yet"
"I'm not putting you down, Mia," he whispered softly, his arms wrapped securely around me. The warmth of his embrace brought comfort, especially knowing the challenges that lay ahead. "I'll share the burden with you, every step of this pregnancy."
"Ready to face everyone?" I asked.
"Yes," Atlas replied, his voice brimming with confidence. "Today started off as one of the worst days of my life, but it's ending as one of the best."
With a smile on my face, he carried me out of the room, and as we entered the palace halls, the air buzzed with excitement. People filled the main room, their joy palpable. Alpha Jack approached us first, expressing his support. "Even wolfless, you make a great ruler," he said. "We will stand behind you."
Grateful for his words, I mustered the courage to ask for a favor. "Will you officiate our wedding tonight? Atlas and I want to get married, and today feels like the perfect time."
"It would be an honor," he replied.
Suddenly, Flint's voice cut through the air, filled with excitement. "Wait, did I hear marriage?"
"Tonight seems perfect, doesn't it?" Atlas chimed in.
"I'm happy to see that smile again," Flint said, directing his words to Atlas.
Bryn offered her assistance, suggesting that Flint and Leo help Atlas prepare while she helped me get ready. Atlas tightened his grip around me, and I couldn't help but laugh. "I don't think Atlas plans on putting me down anytime soon. Besides, I'm already in a dress, and now I understand why he helped me put it on."
Laughter echoed in the room, and Bryn took charge. "Well then, let's start setting up. We all have something to celebrate. I'll spread the word."
Leo approached, patting Atlas on the back. "I see you've become friends," I commented with a smile.
"Mia, Atlas has offered to help me become a lycan," Leo revealed. "Since I'm immortal, it's possible. But I want your blessing, as it essentially makes me family."
My face lit up with joy. "Absolutely, Leo. That would make me very happy. Then our pups can call you Uncle Leo."
Flint interjected, "What about me?" Pausing for a moment, he asked, "Pups?" My gaze shifted towards Atlas, giving him the opportunity to share the news.
"Mia is pregnant with twins," he announced, his voice filled with pride. "According to the moon goddess, a healthy girl and a healthy boy."
"Well then this palace is going to get lively," Flint exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. The sound of his words echoed through the grand halls, mingling with the bustling of new staff preparing for the momentous occasion. The air was filled with anticipation, a mix of nervous energy and joy.
"Congratulations, you two deserve this," Flint continued, his words laced with genuine happiness.
"Now I am going to start fixing Hurricane Atlas for this spur of the moment wedding," Flint declared. I furrowed my brow in confusion, looking up at Atlas for an explanation. As he cleared his throat, I could sense his discomfort.
"The mirror was not the only thing I broke," Atlas admitted, his voice tinged with regret. I could feel his pain as he spoke, his emotions palpable in the air.
"I was not exactly in a sound state of mind the past few days," he confessed, his voice filled with vulnerability. "But who would be when their heart and soul had been ripped out?" I nuzzled my head against his, offering him comfort in the midst of his pain.
"I'm sorry," I whispered softly, my words barely audible. Atlas shook his head gently, "You have nothing to apologize for, Mia," he assured me, his voice filled with warmth and love. "Out of all of us, you have given the most."
"Now let's focus on the future," Atlas continued, his tone shifting to one of hope. "We have already made great progress within this realm, Mia. A lot you have missed, but we have all tried our best." The room seemed to brighten at his words, a sense of optimism filling the air. "This will be a safe, accepting place soon, and a great place to raise our pups," he concluded, his voice brimming with excitement and anticipation.
With renewed energy, we all began the preparations for the wedding. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the palace, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the rustling of fabric. The atmosphere was alive with the promise of new beginnings, and we couldn't help but smile as we worked together, creating a beautiful celebration of love and unity.